Therapies to halt progression of Parkinson’s

TWO exciting new therapies which slow the crippling progression of Parkinson’s Disease will be unveiled in Cork today.

Scientists will discuss the results of cutting-edge research at the inaugural conference of Neuroscience Ireland — a new body set up to collaborate the work of all Irish neuroscientists — which will be launched at University College Cork (UCC) today.

UCC neuroscience researchers, Dr Yvonne Nolan, Suzanne Crotty and Dr Aideen Sullivan, treated laboratory rats with a new drug therapy developed by Vasogen Ireland, the Irish arm of a Canadian-owned company.

Dr Nolan said the trial results, which have yet to be published, showed that the drug protects against the loss of dopamine neurons.

They produce dopamine, a chemical messenger which carries signals between the brain’s nerve cells, and which is partly responsible for control of motor function.

People with Parkinson’s Disease have a deficiency of dopamine and therefore, gradually lose control of coordinated movement.

As our population ages, more and more people are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

In response to testing of the new drug treatment, Dr Nolan said: “It is preliminary work but the results are very positive.”

“As an initial look at the beneficial effects, it’s very effective.

“But it will be a long period, possibly years, to know definitively if it’s effective in humans.”

Toxicity studies in animals — a crucial step in securing FDA approval for human trials — have already shown there are no side effects.

Dr Eilis Dowd, of NUI Galway, will also discuss details of her work on the development of a new stem cell therapy to repair and replace dopamine neurons.

Experts in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, motor neuron disease, and schizophrenia will also address the conference.

The two-day conference coincides with a rise in neuroscience research in Ireland, especially in UCC, where over 20 neuroscience researchers are based.

Neuroscience Ireland will bring together these neuroscientists, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students to present latest research. The body plans to attract expatriate researchers abroad back to Ireland.

It is hoped the new body will lead to greater research collaboration and to more Government research funds.

* neuroscienceireland.org